Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 15 percent of the general population, making it the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists. For many, the symptoms are relatively mild and do not necessitate treatment by a specialist. However, approximately one-fifth of patients do need specialty care.

In most cases Mount Sinai gastroenterologists can diagnosis IBS from a physical exam and medical history. Your doctor may request certain tests, such as endoscopy, to rule out inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Once your diagnosis has been established, your gastroenterologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan to minimize your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Dietary changes such as increasing your fiber intake and reducing your caffeine consumption may be helpful, but since the condition varies from individual to individual, you and your doctor may identify other changes that may be beneficial.

Since IBS can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety, your physician may also recommend counseling. A study led by Mount Sinai gastroenterologists found that patients who received coordinated care from a gastroenterologist and a psychoanalyst demonstrated significantly greater symptom improvement than patients who received medical treatment alone.

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Please call us to learn how we can help you or a loved one. We are conveniently located in the Upper East Side of New York City.